iPad 2 sends Australian tablet market into stratosphere

A research firm is predicting 'media tablet' sales will grow 85% this year on the back of the iPad 2 and Android Honeycomb devices.

Research company IDC says the Australian media tablet market will grow by 85% in 2011 thanks to the arrival of the iPad 2 and its competitors.

However only 6% of respondents said they plan to buy a tablet. Notebooks still lead purchasing intentions with almost 35% saying that's what they expect to buy, with almost as many planning to buy a desktop. Less than 4% nominated a netbook, and a surprising 5.9% have no plans to ever purchase another computer.

"With the new iPad 2 and several more Android Honeycomb tablets bound for the tablet hungry Australian market, media tablets are undoubtedly a potential threat to the growth of other form factors in the PC market in 2011," said IDC analyst Amy Cheah. "Although IDC research and the empirical evidence show that the majority of media tablets are currently embraced as complementary devices, they are eating into consumers' share of wallet."

IDC's worldwide figures show the iPad as the runaway market leader in 4Q10 with 73% of units shipped. The Galaxy Tab was the closest competitor with 17%. Despite growing competition, the company expect Apple to retain a 70-80% share during 2011.

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Stephen Withers is one of Australia¹s most experienced IT journalists, having begun his career in the days of 8-bit 'microcomputers'. He covers the gamut from gadgets to enterprise systems. In previous lives he has been an academic, a systems programmer, an IT support manager, and an online services manager. Stephen holds an honours degree in Management Sciences and a PhD in Industrial and Business Studies.